From Paper-mill to Pressroom

John Stuart Mill · en
ANCIENT PAPER-MAKING                                Frontispiece
  RAGROOM, PIONEER MILL, CRANE & CO.                            23
  RAG BOILER ROOM, CRANE & CO.                                  25
  WOOD GRINDER                                                  30
  WET MACHINES, THE BROWN CO.                                   33
  CYLINDER MACHINE FOR DRYING PULP, THE BROWN CO.               35
  THE BEATER-ROOM, CRANE & CO.                                  37
  FOURDRINIER MACHINES, CRANE & CO.                             45
  FOURDRINIER MACHINE, S. D. WARREN & CO.                       50
  CYLINDER VATS, MADE BY THE PUSEY & JONES CO.                  53
  COATING ROOM, APPLETON COATED PAPER CO.                       57
  FINISHING-ROOM, CRANE & CO.                                   58
  SUPERCALENDER STACKS, APPLETON COATED PAPER CO.               66




INTRODUCTION


In the following pages I have endeavored to present a treatise on paper
free from confusing technicalities, yet sufficiently intimate to be of
service alike to the manufacturer, the salesman, and the consumer of
paper viewing the subject in a broad way from the paper mill to the
pressroom. The manufacturer and the consumer may notice the omission
of some details, as I have aimed to touch mainly on such points as are
essential to a good understanding of the work-a-day problems of paper
after it reaches the printer.

I am convinced that in many cases the problems of the pressroom are
too slightly understood by the “paperman,” while the technicalities of
paper-making are only too vaguely comprehended by the printer. I also
feel that both should have at least an acquaintance with the history
and progress of paper-making.

            WILLIAM BOND WHEELWRIGHT.

  Appleton, Wisconsin,
  January, 1920.




CHAPTER ONE

THE TRADITION AND HISTORY OF PAPER-MAKING


It would be difficult to single out among the diversified objects
of human investigation,” wrote John Murray in his remarks on “Modern
Paper” (published in 1829), “a question more curious or interesting
than the medium which bears the symbols that register the circumstances
and events of past ages.... It is through such wonderful media that we
are introduced into the multitudinous throng of a world’s tenantry, and
from their inscription learn what they thought, and said and did.... In
deciphering these transcriptions of ideas and memorials of humanity we
virtually converse with minds long since numbered with those who people
the world of spirits; and even the mummy from his cerements in his
sycamore coffin, recovered from the vaults of eternal pyramids, talks
with us by virtue of the roll of papyrus which he holds in his hand.”